For this assignment, I chose to do an audio file. My topic today is the Senior Games. I’m 54 now, and about 4 years ago, I decided that I wanted to get back to playing softball. My children were grown, and I had some time on my hands and I just knew that I would be able to find a church team to join. To my surprise, there were no women’s slow pitch softball teams playing in the area. I just couldn’t believe it. Back in the day every church had a softball league. One of my co-workers told me that the Senior Center had a league and that I should check into that. Well, first of all, I couldn’t believe that she even suggested the Senior Center, like I’m a senior citizen or something. Sidenote, she and I are the same age, and we were 50 at the time. I told her that I did not want to play in a senior citizen’s league because mainly, I didn’t think I was one, but she informed me that 50 counts as a senior citizen for that league. So, I met a lady through my work that actually plays on the 60+ team and she encouraged me to start a 50+ team. I practiced with the 60+ team while I was trying to get my team together. By the way, those ladies are serious about their softball! There is also a 65+ team too.
This is how I became involved in the Senior Games. They are held every spring, except last year due to the pandemic. There are a number of events to participate in, such as softball, tennis, pickleball, swimming, track and other field events, just to name a few. You can find out more about the complete list at nealseniorcenter.org and you can get information about the rules and registration process. Each county has their own senior games and all counties compete at the state level after their local games have concluded. The state softball tournaments are held in Cary NC in the fall. There are lots of teams and it is so much fun. There are men’s teams and women’s teams. Cleveland County doesn’t have a men’s team right now. My 50+ team isn’t playing this year. We didn’t have enough players, so I’m learning to play tennis now. I am definitely not ready to compete this year, but I plan to play tennis in the Games next year.
Another part of the NC Senior Games that is offered is the SilverArts. This allows people 50 and over to showcase their artistic talents. If you are an artsy, crafty person, then SilverArts may just be for you. Some of the categories in the SilverArts are quilting, crocheting, painting, needlework and woodworking just to name a few.
I had no idea about the Senior Games, because frankly, I didn’t really think I fit into this category, but once you turn 50, guess what? You are in this category. So, if you are over 50 and looking for something to do to be active or involved in something that is a lot of fun, head over to nealseniorcenter.org and check out the information about the Senior Games. They also have lots of other activities that you might be interested in too.